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Superbob

Superbob

Steely Resolve!
Supporting Member
Joined
Apr 21, 2005
Messages
8,481
Location
Coastal Carolina
I never knew a knee was so important -- after all, it's just a joint, right?

I messed mine up 3 1/2 months ago going down into the basement. (the other knee was already in pretty creaky shape.) Tomorrow morning, I finally get to see the orthopedic surgeon after seeing a physician's assistant twice.

This knee thing is affecting my whole physical and mental state. I have an inner-ear balance problem, so often when I get up wobbly because of the knee, I feel dizzy. (Almost felt like I was going to fall down trying to keep up with my wife at the mall yesterday -- and she walks with a cane! :eek:) I also feel like it's affecting my heart health -- I can't move around vigorously, and that can't be good. I've had a fullness sort of feeling in the middle of the chest -- I attribute that just to being so much more sedentary than usual. It's like a general malaise -- to my wife's consternation, I could not get moving in time to go to church this morning, though no doubt that's exactly where I need to be.

I don't know what to wish for from the orthopedist tomorrow. I am not rooting for surgery of course, but I hope he doesn't just dismiss it as old-age arthritis that I will just have to live with. Truth is, I don't know if I CAN live with it -- I have always been very active.

My problems are trivial compared to a great many here, but if anyone would care to send good vibes, wishes, and/or prayers, those will be welcome.
 
I will pray for the best outcome for you tomorrow.

My back is out so I didn't make it to church this morning either.

You're in my thoughts and prayers. I will be thinking of you tomorrow. Update us as soon as you can.
Earline
 
My prayers are with you and I can sympathize. My left knee is really bad and I think because of favoring it, I have thrown my whole body off. It was on the top of my list for things to take care of this summer, but then the breast cancer came along and now I have a whole different agenda. Hopefully after the radiation, I too will get into the ortho and get some relief- just can't take one more doctor added to the mix right now. Good luck tomorrow and I will be very interested to hear the results.
 
SuperBob needs to draw on some super powers in his time of need.....I wish I had some to give you.
Let's hope for some useful solutions and anwers tomorrow.
In the meantime try to eat light, lots of salads and fruit, you will gain energy and build up your resistance.
((hugs))
 
Bionic...

Bionic...

Dear SuperBob, I sure wish you the best with this. I know what you mean about how this sort of injury effects everything. I've had knee surgery, and a shoulder injury from a simple fall, that had a similar effect on me. We have a good orthopedic hospital in Boston, and a wonderful surgeon there has replaced many knees, and hips for people I know. Many of them were in their late seventies at the time of surgery. Surgery is never fun, but it can give you a renewed life! If your doc seems apathetic about treatment, try to find another. All the best, Brian Mc
 
I fell on my knee several years ago and although the damage was just some swelling and stiffness, it caused me to favor it, and when Joe was so ill, I just didn't do much about it. So when it started to get unstable on me, I started a series of strengthening, balancing, stretching and flexion exercises for it. That has helped tremendously. I don't miss a day of these exercises and I'm pretty flexible now and the knee pain has gone away--as long as I do the exercises. I can crouch down now, and kneel and walking is not a problem.

So, I hope this is something that physical therapy can help you with and that surgery is not needed.

I will be sending positive thoughts you way for a solution to the problems.
 
Hi Bob! Fantastic! Glad you are finally going in to find a solution! I think some doctors make you wait to siphon out the whiners from the patients with real problems. You are NOT a whiner! You are in real need of some relief.

When I was in my late 20's I had a major inner ear problem. I can totally relate to how you are feeling with that. It got so bad for me for awhile that I was always hanging onto things when I had to lean over at all, since it felt like I would just fall over. Many times I was able to regain my balance by just slightly bending my knees and finding my core, sort of...like a gymnast does after landing off the vault.... if that makes any sense. But of course..... your knee is shot!!

PLEASE ask him about the Syn-visc shots. I don't know how that might interfere with your INR and such, but it is the most wonderful cushiioning agent. It's spendy, but you're worth it!!!! It will allow you to build up your strength again. And ask about doing some calesthenics or getting some physical therapy.

My ortho recommended rolling up a towel and placing it under my knee when I am sittin in an L on the bed. Then you flex your upper leg while you gently push down on the towel. Hold for a few seconds, repeat 10 times. Rest. Do it a few more times. It is important to have those muscles above the knee strong.

Frankly, I think you are getting depressed about things, too. Tell the man THAT!! When things start to affect your quality of life, that's when you can get some creative help. Time to advocate for yourself here. You really need to demand some options. Your current situation is not working for you.

Please keep us posted!

Good luck!!!!!!!

THinking of you!

Marguerite
 
Wishing you the best solution. You're in my prayers. You can't keep a good Superbob down!
 
Superbob said:
I never knew a knee was so important -- after all, it's just a joint, right?

I messed mine up 3 1/2 months ago going down into the basement. (the other knee was already in pretty creaky shape.) Tomorrow morning, I finally get to see the orthopedic surgeon after seeing a physician's assistant twice.

This knee thing is affecting my whole physical and mental state. I have an inner-ear balance problem, so often when I get up wobbly because of the knee, I feel dizzy. (Almost felt like I was going to fall down trying to keep up with my wife at the mall yesterday -- and she walks with a cane! :eek:) I also feel like it's affecting my heart health -- I can't move around vigorously, and that can't be good. I've had a fullness sort of feeling in the middle of the chest -- I attribute that just to being so much more sedentary than usual. It's like a general malaise -- to my wife's consternation, I could not get moving in time to go to church this morning, though no doubt that's exactly where I need to be.

I don't know what to wish for from the orthopedist tomorrow. I am not rooting for surgery of course, but I hope he doesn't just dismiss it as old-age arthritis that I will just have to live with. Truth is, I don't know if I CAN live with it -- I have always been very active.

My problems are trivial compared to a great many here, but if anyone would care to send good vibes, wishes, and/or prayers, those will be welcome.
Click to expand...


Superbob,

Have you had an MRI done of your knee to determine what the problem is. There are many different situations that you could be facing from as little as physical therapy to help a small tear heal, to a bone on bone arthritis situation, which Orthovisc or Synvisc injections might would help improve, to a serious tear, which would require surgery in order to repair and heal adequately, and then all the way up to a knee replacement. If you have seen the physician assistant twice, I hope that they have ordered an MRI for you so they can know exactly what the proper treatment will be and how invasive it might be for you to help you resolve this problem as quickly as possible, if they have not, I suggest you ask for one, as x-rays only show a portion of the problem. We will be praying for you and hoping something as easy as a corticosteroid injection or physical therapy will heal your knee, don't lose hope!!!!!!


Diana
 
Superbob, I can relate to both problems! I am sorry you have to go through that and if you are in pain and can't move it isn't surprising that it gets you down.

My inner-ear problem came from an ear infection (probably from diving) which I ignored. It did crash a few times (literally)- thankfully I didn't fall on my knee :D Ear specialist told me to keep a low sodium diet, stay away from cafeine and sugars. It does help and no problem since I already was doing that for my husband. I also can recognize when an episodes starts so I can make myself safe. Other triggers for me are prolonged stress and sleep deprivation and also when I have sinus problems - that always makes it worse.

As for the knee (used to be an athlete so it's not surprising that I have knee problems). I do not want to have knee surgery at age 42, especially if I can't go skiing anymore. I will start Synvisc shots this fall - I have heard many good things and that it helped. Unfortunately they aren't covered under medicare and rather expensive.
In the meantime I was told to stay away from (or at least limit) night-shady vegetables (not good for inflammation). I also have a strengthening program, followed by icing the knees which really helps. A while ago I have started acupuncture as well which greatly relieves pain (although doesn't cure the problem, obviously). I get the electric needles and they bring me great relief.

I hope you can delay surgery but if not you know to get the best orthopedic surgeon as possible. The important thing is that you are seeking help!

Wishing you all the best!!
 
You ain't allowed to fall apart, your SuperBob!

Try the injections if it's offered. Surgery may be the only thing though. Sounds to me like your leaning more that way by description. Prayers you have my friend.
 
Sending positive vibes to SuperBob. Hopefully your doctor can offer you a long term solution so that you can do the things you enjoy. Tell him you have super dogs that need you. :)

Not that you have reached this point but I wanted to tell you about my neighbor. He's late 50s, had double knee replacement last spring. He didn't want to do 1 at a time. He exercises more, able to walk longer distances, and he has lost 50 pounds. I'm sure that was part of the reason his knees gave him so much trouble but it was just too darn uncomfortable to do anything. He used to ride his bike a lot. Yesterday, he was walking his dog, he looks great and he feels great.
 
Sorry to hear the Knee-saga continues...:(

My mum went through all the dramas of a dodgy knee including the pills, shots and finally surgery. Her knee is now great. They did the surgery where they scrape out the yucky bits through a small hole...I remember her walking out of hospital that afternoon with less pain than she had put up with for years...She had a brilliant surgeon, one of the ones who does our professional footy players so he is really good at knees!...I was talking with my Father-in-law recently and he had great relief for several months with the Glucosamine but he is now looking at surgery too.

I hope this guy comes up with a good plan for fixing those troublesome knees so you can re-claim your life.
 
Good vibes coming your way, Superbob!

Let us know what's discussed at your appointment.
 
Superbob said:
...My problems are trivial compared to a great many here, but if anyone would care to send good vibes, wishes, and/or prayers, those will be welcome.
Click to expand...
You have my very best wishes, Bob :) . While knees are just a joint, they are a very important and complicated joint. Hoping your doctor is brilliant.
 
Goodness -- the day has gotten by and I haven't responded to these wonderful posts. Thank you so much for them. It's kind of late now, so I will post more of a response tomorrow -- probably after my appointment. Just please know that I greatly appreciate all of the good advice and well wishes.
 
From Pairodocs-Laura

From Pairodocs-Laura

I agree that Synvisc or even steroid injection might be a more palatable alternative. I have been able to postpone my knee replacement with arthroscopic surgery, Synvisc, and weight loss, going on 8 years now. I try to get around as best I can, but carry a cane in the car and use my handicapped sticker for the worst days. My orthopod asks me whenever he sees me if I'm ready yet, and so far the answer is no. Like most mechanical replacements, a knee is usually good for 15 to 20 years. I don't relish the idea of a repeat surgery. It's been bone-on-bone for years, can't really hurt the knee joint much more. The problem is the back and foot problems that can be associated with a bad knee.

Good day in Idaho,
-Laura
 
Wishing you the best on your knee Superbob, Maybe the dr will give you some exercises that will help loosen your knee up. Your in my prayers for a good drs appt. Keep us informed on how it went.
PS. I thought you were made of steel???
 
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